HVAC System Installation - Wood Dale Public Library

EOS Mechanical provided complete HVAC systems for the Wood Dale Public Library’s major expansion—integrating new construction with existing infrastructure while maintaining uninterrupted library operations for the community.

About the Facility

The Wood Dale Public Library serves as a vital community resource, providing educational programs, technology access, and gathering spaces for residents throughout the western suburbs. The expansion project added significant square footage to accommodate growing community needs, including new reading areas, meeting rooms, technology spaces, and an expanded children’s section.

The project required a delicate balance: installing modern, efficient HVAC systems throughout the new addition while upgrading equipment serving the existing building, all without disrupting daily library operations. Patrons continued accessing library services throughout construction, requiring careful phasing and coordination.

EOS Mechanical Scope

EOS Mechanical handled comprehensive mechanical system design-build coordination, equipment installation, and controls integration across both the new addition and existing building areas.

Air Handling & Climate Control

• Multiple air handling units - Carrier equipment configured for library loads
  • Dedicated units serving new addition spaces
  • Coordinated with existing building systems
  • Integrated supply and return air management
• Air-cooled condensing units - High-efficiency outdoor equipment
• Gas-fired furnaces - Carrier units providing supplemental heating
• Variable air volume controls - Zone dampers enabling space-by-space comfort control

Hydronic Heating Systems

• High-efficiency condensing boiler - Serving multiple heating zones
  • Hot water coils in air handling equipment
  • Snow melt system for entrance accessibility
  • Distribution piping throughout facility
• Primary and secondary pumping systems - Multiple pumps for zone control
• Expansion tanks and air separation - Ensuring system reliability
• Extensive copper piping distribution - Connecting all heating zones

Specialized Systems

• Duct-free split system - Dedicated cooling for server room and technology spaces
• Commercial kitchen hood - Ansul fire suppression integration
• Return and exhaust fans - Managing air quality and pressurization
• Gas duct heater - Supplemental heating for high-demand zones
• Underground duct installation - Connecting new and existing building areas
• Snow melt system - Automated entrance safety during winter months

Building Automation & Controls

• Pelican BAS platform - Cost-effective controls system
  • Wireless thermostats and zone control
  • Integration with all mechanical equipment
  • User-friendly interface for library staff
  • Energy management capabilities
• System commissioning - Verification of all sequences and setpoints

Construction Challenges & Solutions

Challenge: Maintaining Operations During Phased Construction

The library remained open throughout construction, serving hundreds of daily patrons. Traditional mechanical installations would have caused unacceptable disruptions to library operations and patron comfort.

Our Solution

EOS Mechanical developed a detailed phasing plan coordinated with library administration:

1. Phased Equipment Installation

   • Sequenced work to maintain HVAC capacity in occupied areas
   • Installed new systems before removing existing equipment
   • Provided temporary climate control during transitions
   • Scheduled disruptive work during closed hours

2. Weekend and Off-Hours Execution

   • Conducted major installations outside library operating hours
   • Performed noisy work when building was unoccupied
   • Ensured systems were operational before library opened
   • Protected patron and staff comfort throughout

3. Multi-Trade Coordination

   • Synchronized mechanical work with electrical and structural trades
   • Maintained fire protection and life safety systems continuously
   • Coordinated penetrations and access with ongoing operations
   • Protected finished spaces from construction impacts

Challenge: Controls Integration and Stakeholder Alignment

The project specified a Pelican BAS system for cost-effectiveness, utilizing off-the-shelf components and straightforward architecture. However, early in the project, aligning all stakeholders on system capabilities and limitations proved critical to avoid costly field changes.

Our Solution

EOS Mechanical organized a comprehensive pre-mobilization coordination meeting:

1. Platform Capabilities Review

   • Presented Pelican BAS strengths and limitations
   • Reviewed all control sequences against platform capabilities
   • Identified sequences requiring modification

2. Stakeholder Alignment

   • Engaged owner, design engineer, and general contractor
   • Discussed operational requirements and budget constraints
   • Modified control sequences to leverage platform strengths
   • Gained consensus on deliverables before installation

3. Proactive Risk Mitigation

   • Prevented costly field changes and commissioning delays
   • Ensured functional, maintainable system aligned with budget
   • Protected project schedule from controls-related issues
   • Delivered system library staff could confidently operate

Project Execution Strategy

The project required exceptional coordination across multiple disciplines:

Integration Approach

• Coordinated new addition equipment with existing building systems
• Balanced loads across multiple zones and spaces
• Ensured consistent comfort throughout expanded facility
• Maintained existing infrastructure during phased upgrades

Quality Assurance

• Factory startup of all major equipment
• Comprehensive testing of all control sequences
• Verification of snow melt system operation
• Training for library facilities staff
• Documentation of all systems for future maintenance

Results

The completed installation provides:

• Efficient heating and cooling throughout the expanded library
• Reliable climate control supporting diverse spaces and uses
• Automated snow melt ensuring safe winter accessibility
• User-friendly controls enabling library staff to manage comfort
• Seamless integration of new and existing mechanical systems
• Minimal operational disruption during complex construction
• Project delivered on schedule and within budget

This project exemplifies EOS Mechanical’s approach to occupied facility work: identify potential challenges early, coordinate comprehensive solutions with all stakeholders, and execute phased installation maintaining continuous operations. The Wood Dale Public Library now serves its growing community with modern, efficient mechanical systems designed for decades of reliable service.